A new squad made up of police and prison officers will tackle the growing issue of drones flying contraband items into prisons, East Surrey MP Sam Gyimah has said.

Drones carrying mobile phones and drugs, ranging from Spice to cannabis and heroin, have been flown over the walls of prisons across the country, jeopardising prison safety said Mr Gyimah.

The officers on the task force will work with police and HM Prison and Probation Service to investigate drones that have been captured flying in and around prisons in order to identify those responsible.

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Prisons Minister Mr Gyimah said the government was "absolutely determined" to tackle the "illegal flow" of drugs and mobile phones into Britain's prisons and turn them into "places of safety and reform".

"The threat posed by drones is clear," said Mr Gyimah. "But our dedicated staff are committed to winning the fight against those who are attempting to thwart progress by wreaking havoc in establishments all over the country.

"My message to those who involve themselves in this type of criminal activity is clear; we will find you and put you behind bars."

Bronzefield Prison next to the A308 in Ashford is one of a handful of prisons in and around Surrey (Image: Daily Mirror)

The move comes after a number of recent convictions for drones smuggling drugs and mobile phones into prisons from Manchester to Kent.

Justice Secretary Liz Truss has also announced funding for an additional 2,500 frontline prison officers as well as drug testing and training for over 300 drug detection dogs to specifically detect psychoactive substances.

The government recently criminalised possession of psychoactive drugs in prisons, meaning inmates could face an additional two years in prison, if caught.